Deputy Education Minister Dr Clement Apaak has warned education directors across Ghana against covering up sexual abuse allegations involving teachers and headteachers, stressing that officials who fail to report such incidents will be held accountable.
His warning follows allegations of sexual abuse involving a headteacher at Obuasi Senior High Technical School, which have intensified calls for accountability, child protection and stronger measures to address sexual misconduct in Ghanaian schools.
Speaking at the 33rd Conference of Directors of Education at the GNAT Hall in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, Dr Apaak directed education officials to ensure that all allegations of sexual abuse involving students are promptly reported through the appropriate channels.
Dr Apaak Demands Action Against Sexual Abuse in Schools
Dr Apaak stressed that allegations of sexual abuse must not be handled secretly to protect the reputation of a school or an accused staff member.
He urged education directors to take every report seriously, regardless of the accused person’s position, seniority or influence within the community.
According to the Deputy Education Minister, officials who conceal abuse allegations risk putting other students in danger and could themselves face accountability for failing to carry out their responsibilities.
He emphasised that the Ministry of Education expects all directors to follow established reporting procedures whenever allegations of sexual abuse involving learners arise.
Accused Teachers Must Be Separated from Students
Dr Apaak further directed that persons accused of sexual abuse must be removed from contact with learners while investigations are ongoing, in line with the Ministry’s directive.
He maintained that protecting students must remain the priority of school authorities and education administrators.
The Deputy Minister explained that reports from children and parents should not be treated as threats to a school’s reputation or as problems to be resolved privately.
His remarks come amid growing public concern over child safety, sexual abuse allegations in educational institutions and the need for effective accountability mechanisms within Ghana’s education system.
Education Directors Urged to Strengthen Child Protection
The Deputy Minister delivered the warning under the theme of the conference, “From Policy to Classroom: District Leadership for Quality Learning Outcomes and 21st Century Skills for National Development.”
He urged education directors to translate government policies and Ministry of Education directives into practical action at the district, circuit and school levels.
Dr Apaak said effective leadership and strict enforcement of child protection procedures were essential to creating safer learning environments and improving educational outcomes across the country.
He reiterated that Ghana’s schools must prioritise the safety and welfare of learners rather than protect adults accused of violating their responsibility to children.
Source: newsthemegh.com